Note: Watches are often distinguished by the kind of
escapement used, as an {anchor watch}, a {lever watch},
a {chronometer watch}, etc. (see the Note under
{Escapement}, n., 3); also, by the kind of case, as a
{gold} or {silver watch}, an {open-faced watch}, a
{hunting watch}, or {hunter}, etc.
[1913 Webster]

6. (Naut.)
(a) An allottedportion of time, usually four hour for
standing watch, or being on deck ready for duty. Cf.
{Dogwatch}.
(b) That part, usually one half, of the officers and crew,
who together attend to the working of a vessel for an
allotted time, usually four hours. The watches are
designated as the {port watch}, and the {starboard
watch}.
[1913 Webster]

{Anchor watch} (Naut.), a detail of one or more men who keep
watch on deck when a vessel is at anchor.

{Watch and ward} (Law), the charge or care of certain
officers to keep a watch by night and a guard by day in
towns, cities, and other districts, for the preservation
of the public peace. --Wharton. --Burrill.

watch chain — a chain, frequently of gold or silver, attached to a pocket watch, serving as an ornament and, when passed through a buttonhole in the vest, as a guard against loss or theft of the watch. [1730 40] * * * … Universalium